The Thunderbirds’ four-person squad consisted of Deanna Irvin, Nat Smith, Reyce Knutson, and Adam Jenkinson. They won all their games in the April 14 competition by 75 points or more, including two wins over runner-up San Rafael Junior High.
At one point, the question was asked, “What grain is grown in fields flooded with water?” Irvin correctly responded with the answer “rice,” prompting a player on the other team to ask aloud in exasperation, “How do they know these things?”
The GMCS squad had also taken second place to Grand County High School in two previous Quiz Bowl competitions held earlier this spring in Moab and Green River. Two-time champion GCHS team didn’t attend the third event in Price.
Based on the outcome of this year’s regional competitions, Grand County’s Quiz Bowl teams have qualified for the national quiz bowl competition.
GCMS adviser Mike Estenson is in the process of making arrangements for two combined teams of seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-graders (about 12 students total, plus two coaches or chaperones) to attend the Junior National Academic Championship in Washington, D.C. June 5-7.
The group has been seeking money through sponsorships and other fund-raising methods. A silent auction for a metal eagle sculpture will take place soon, Estenson said.
The team estimates it will need to raise a total of around $11,000 to make the trip, Estenson said.